Changing a Flat Tire

With school letting out for the summer and families taking vacations, we want everyone to have safe travels! Before traveling you should always have your car checked out and tires looked at. Hopefully you don’t experience any troubles while driving, but just in case we want you to be informed on how to change a flat tire as quick and easy as possible.

Changing a Flat Tire:

·         Find a safe spot to pull over. If you're on the freeway, getting off is the safest bet, even if you have to drive on a blown tire. Otherwise, pull as far onto the shoulder as possible. Don't park in the middle of a curve, where approaching cars can't see you. Also choose a flat spot; jacking up your car on a hill can be a disaster. If you have a manual transmission, leave your car in gear. Be sure to set your parking brake!

·         Turn on your hazard lights. Get the jack, wrench, and spare tire from the trunk of the car and bring them over to the tire that is flat. Use other tools or supplies if needed.

·         Use the wrench to loosen the lug nuts. You may need to remove the hubcap. Don't remove the lug nuts at this point; simply loosen them by turning the wrench to the left (counter-clockwise). If the lug nuts are really tight, try placing the wrench on the nut and standing on the wrench arm to use your full weight on it. You can also try hitting the wrench arm with a rock.

·         Use the jack to lift the vehicle off the ground. Different car models may have different places to put the jack; consult your owner's manual for specific locations. Once the jack is securely in the correct spot, jack up the car until the tire is about six inches off the ground.

·         Remove the lug nuts and pull the tire off the car. Make sure to place the lug nuts in a pile that won't get scattered, and pull the tire straight toward yourself to remove it from the wheel base.

·         Place the spare on the car. Line up the lug nut posts with the holes in the spare, and push the spare all the way onto the wheel base until it can't go any farther.

·         Put on the lug nuts. Don't put them on tightly, just make sure they're on enough for the spare to stay on the car for a moment.

·         Lower the car back to the ground. Use the jack to bring the car back down to ground level. Remove the jack from underneath the car.

·         Make sure the lug nuts are tightened. With the car back on the ground, you can now tighten the lug nuts. Rather than tightening them one by one in order, start with one lug nut, tighten it about 50%, move to the opposite nut (across the circle) and tighten that one about the same amount. Keep tightening opposite lug nuts gradually in turn until each lug nut is as tight as it can be.

·         Put your flat tire and tools back in your trunk. Make sure you don't leave anything on the side of the road.

We want to make sure everyone has a great summer and that their travels are easy and safe! Remember we wanna see ya in a KIA!

http://www.dmv.org/how-to-guides/changing-tire.php

Taking A Vacation? Driving Long-Distances?

Planning on Taking a Road Trip?

With the summer months headed this way, there is going to be a lot of travelers and people on the roads. We want everyone to be as safe as possible and take caution while driving not only short distances but more importantly on those long drives! Here are 10 helpful tips to take into consideration when preparing for a long drive! We want to make sure our Kia family members, along with everyone else arrive safely to their destinations!

10 Helpful Hints for Long Distance Driving:

·         1- Be sure to check your vehicle before leaving:

o   Maintenance check (tires, brakes, engine, wiper blades, signals, lights, oil, etc.)

·         2- Have an emergency kit available:

o   Emergency kit (Car manual, flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangle (in case you need to pull over), flares, basic tools and a first aid kit.)

·         3- Get a good night rest the night before:

o   Be sure to get a full night sleep, feeling fatigue or drowsy could lead to falling asleep at the wheel.

·         4- All luggage and cargo should be secured:

o   Make sure all luggage is placed and secured tightly, so that it doesn’t move around when having to make a quick stop

·         5- Pack the car with car friendly items:

o   Anything along the lines of blankets, napkins, wet wipes, hands-free cell phone device, trash bags, and medicine.

·         6- Have food available:

o   Take snacks, water, fruit, etc. Be sure not to take anything with too much salt or sugar, it can lead to mood changes or easily make you more tired.

·         7- Be sure to take breaks:

o   Take a break if you feel tired or even just to stretch your legs and walk around to keep circulation flowing. A general rule is to take a break every 2 hours of driving.

·         8- Bring music to listen to:

o   Have your iPod or CD with your favorite music in case the radio stations aren’t playing your favorite kind of music, you need stuff to entertain you!

·         9- Directions/Route

o   Make sure you have a good idea of where you’re headed and the roads you are taking, to avoid getting lost. Give yourself extra time in case you want to stop or visit places along the way. Be sure to check the track and areas you should avoid at certain times.

·         10-Remember to have fun!

o   A road trip should be a fun experience, make it part of the vacation!

Follow these 10 helpful hints, and your next long distance travel should be a successful one! Remember to be safe, keep your eyes on the road, don’t get distracted, and be sure to make it FUN!

Is It Time For an Oil Change?

Reasons Why Getting an Oil Change is Important

1.       It keeps your car in great condition and proper running order

2.       They are relatively inexpensive and is not a monthly procedure

3.       By getting your oil changed on a regular basis, you will not only improve the life of your car’s engine, but you will also allow your car to maximize the horsepower it puts on the road

4.       Not changing your oil often enough can cause significant damage to your engine

5.       By not having enough oil or by using oil that has outlived its usefulness (is filled with dirt or has low viscosity), you run the risk of allowing parts to not work as efficiently as they possibly could.

6.       Not getting an oil change can cause parts of the car to stop working, and the engine could simply stop working or actually explode if enough parts refuse to work.

7.       The number one reason for engine failure is wear and tear that is caused by an increase in viscosity, which means the oil becomes thick and sticky, like mud.

Even though we all like to put off getting an oil change, as you can see it is very important to get one around every 3,000 to 7,500 miles, depending on your manufacturer’s recommendations. Needless to say don’t put off getting an oil change any longer, the life of your car will decrease and you will encounter more expensive problems with other parts of your vehicle.

Come get an oil change today here at Kia Autosport! We will make sure your car is running in proper order, and will get it back to you in no time! Remember, we wanna see ya in a KIA!  

Health Initiative at Kia: Tips to a Better Healthier You

Health Initiative Here at Kia

Here at Kia we have been doing a health initiative since March to help get our employees involved and in shape! We would love to have everyone participate and share some of their healthy secrets. It’s a great and fun way to help keep your body on a healthier track. Just by adding 30 minutes of exercise a day or even making a home cooked meal a couple times a week will make a difference. Some things you should eat and an exercise that helps with everything:

8 Foods Your Meals Should Consist of:

1.       Veggies: asparagus, carrots, celery, spinach, broccoli

2.       Fruits: apples, blueberries, watermelon, grapefruit, cranberries

3.       Grains: barley, corn, millet, oats, whole wheat, quinoa, buckwheat

4.       Spices: basil, ginger, parsley, sage, thyme, rosemary

5.       Beans: black beans, lima beans, soybeans, miso, kidney beans, pinto beans

6.       Seafood: oysters, cod, salmon, shrimp, tuna, sardines, halibut

7.       Nuts: almonds, flaxseeds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, peanuts

8.       Juices: green tea, ice water, vegetable juice, soy milk, cranberry juice, fruit smoothie

10 Reasons to Run

1.       It’s a top calorie burning exercise

2.       Solo runs provide time for self-discovery

3.       It  reduces stress

4.       It gives you energy

5.       It revs metabolism even while you aren’t doing it

6.       It lengthens your life span

7.       It provides an opportunity to get outside and enjoy nature

8.       Expensive equipment isn’t required

9.       It lifts your mood

10.   It fights depression and anxiety

Recipe of The Week (Cinco de Mayo)

1.       http://www.skinnytaste.com/2010/07/skinny-taco-dip.html

·         Let us know what you think!

There are many different exercises and ways you can increase the amount of exercise activity you do in a week, just doing some sort of activity 30 minutes a day will lead to a better healthier you. Instead of getting takeout, try cooking dinner for a week and see if you feel a change. We have seen a huge difference in our employees and would love for you to join us. Stay tuned for more ways to become a better healthier you!

Remember, We Wanna See Ya In A Kia!

Armed Forces Month: Wounded Warrior Project Donations

Wounded Warrior Project Donations:

April is coming to an end and we are springing into the flowery month of May! May is Armed Forces month, and KIA Autosport will be donating money from every car sold to the Wounded Warrior Project.  WWP is a great service that honors and empowers Wounded Warriors. We are so honored to help and support these service members any way we can.

Wounded Warrior Projects was started up by veterans and friends who were touched by stories of the first wounded service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. They took action and helped those in need of care. WWP started out as something so small and has become such a huge impact on many injured service members through the years. Tens and thousands of Wounded Warriors and caregivers receive support and more through the WWP Programs.

WWP Vision:

·         To foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded service members in our nation's history.

WWP PURPOSE:

·         To raise awareness and enlist the public's aid for the needs of injured service members.

·         To help injured service members aid and assist each other.

·         To provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members

WWP CORE VALUES: Each core value is lived out each day at WWP.

·         Fun

·         Integrity

·         Loyalty

·         Innovation

·         Service

We are honored to help support the Wounded Warrior Project during the month of May and would love to have the community get involved as well. If you would like to read more about the Wounded Warrior Project or make a donation today visit their website at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/ . Also check out the Wounded Warrior Project Facebook page for daily updates, as well as KIA Autosport of Tallahassee.

               

Is the Optima Hybrid Right For You?

Why Buy A Hybrid:

Hybrids are becoming more and more popular due to the increase in gas prices. When driving a hybrid you will spend half as much on fuel and will be helping the environment. By having two types of power working together, gasoline and electric, a hybrid can reach higher speeds with less effort and can also use less energy in stop and go traffic. Not only is it better on gas, but you also have to get oil changes less frequently. Hybrid parts and repairs can be pricey, but they offer years of warranty to help out with the major parts that are more expensive.  

KIA Autosport has finally come out with a Hybrid that is sharper than ever. The new 2012 Hybrid Optima; has a sharp design, appealing amenities, competitive price, fuel-efficient, and ready to compete with the other Hybrids. You would be missing out if you didn’t take a look at the Hybrid Optima here at KIA.

Buying a Hybrid is a whole new step for many car shoppers. Before turning down the idea of purchasing a Hybrid make sure you do your research to see how these cars can make your driving experience that much better. Every month the number of Hybrids sold is increasing rapidly. Therefore before you make a decision on a car, be sure to check out the Hybrids. You never know all this talk about Hybrids, could persuade in purchasing one!

Remember, We wanna see ya in KIA!

Springing into the Month of April!

Supporting and Giving Back to Our Community:

Springing into the month of April has never felt so good! This month we have taken on the project to give back to our community. We will be donating canned goods to the America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida. We are happy to be helping and supporting our community and hope you will contribute with giving back.

Come by the Dealership anytime and help us support America’s Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Catholic Charities by dropping off canned goods in the bins that we have placed in the front room. When coming by and donating canned good, you are eligible to register your name in a drawing to win 2012 Florida State Season Football Tickets. We will be collecting canned goods all through the month of April, and the drawing of the tickets will be on May 1, 2012.

Not only are we accepting donations all through the month of April at the Dealership, but also this Friday at the Downtown Block Party and Saturday at the Garnet vs. Gold Spring Football Game. There will be a bucket for canned goods and a jar for donations at the KIA Autosport tent both days. Come stop by for a chance to win season tickets. It’s going to be an awesome season for the FSU Noles this year, so you won’t want to miss out on this opportunity!

Kia Dreams Big with Track'ster Concept car

 Kia Dreams Big

Kia Concept car 2012

                         

  What happens when a dream becomes reality? Kia is dreaming big with the Track’ster concept car. The track’ster was unveiled at this year’s Chicago Auto Show. Kia Motors America (KMA) our hoping to take the soul coupe concept and hints at would could soon be the successful Kia Soul.

                When coming up with this dream, Tom Kearns, Chief designer for KMA says “The idea was to make the Track’ster tough looking, like a bulldog.” The car needed to be approachable as well so that people would know the base of it was a soul. The goal would be to make it a soul, but a soul with attitude. The bold attitude the Kearns s refers to would be seen through the cars features; the bold colors, the signature grille, smooth integrated head lights, and deeply recessed lenses.

                The idea is to get soul fans to instantly recognize all its unique features, and to create an image in people’s mind, that this could become the new sportier, bolder, successful Soul. With performance at top priority, the Track’ster makes its way to the Chicago Auto Show with intentions to kick start a driving enthusiast’s heart. With an overall 66 percent increase over the original production of a soul, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine pumps 250 horsepower to the pavement , the KMA’s are definitely putting their minds to work.

                While there are no current plans to produce the Track’ster, Kia’s California design center team enthusiastically took on the project. Kearns says, “They allow KMA’s design team to dream about what could be. Whether that dream becomes a reality or not is a separate question.” The Track’ster is only a concept as of now but KIA hopes that one day it will become a car sold on KIA’s lot! Remember, “We wanna see ya in a KIA!”

Spring Game Mention/Shoutout!

Florida State Spring Game Presented by KIA Autosport:

 The first day of spring is finally here! With April right around the corner, Florida State University’s football team is preparing for the 2012 Garnet and Gold spring game. The football team is working hard to have a successful season, and is excited for the upcoming spring game.

Student and fans are counting down the days till the SunTrust Spring Football Weekend Presented by KIA Autosport which will be capped off with the Annual Garnet and Gold Spring football game at 4 p.m. at Doak Campbell Stadium on Apr. 14. Be sure to come out and check out our line of cars, and support Florida State. If the warm spring weather is too hot for you to sit in, don’t worry the game will be carried on ESPN3.com and replayed on ESPNU. So be sure to tune in and cheer the Noles on, and look out for KIA Autosport commercials!

We are getting super excited for football season, and hope you are too. Get ready for all the Friday night block parties, to check out some of our new rides. We are so glad to be a part of the Florida State Noles, and appreciate the mention in the article “Back At It: Seminoles Open Up Spring Practice.” We love being a Florida State sponsor, and look forward to cheering on the Noles this season.

Let’s make for an awesome season, and show some great support to the team. Be sure to read up on the team and their progress for the upcoming game.

http://www.seminoles.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/031912aaa.html

It's Pyramid month at Kia Autosport!

This month we are celebrating Pyramid Tallahassee. Pyramid is a center for developmentally and physically disabled adults.

Pyramid is best known for its unique arts program, which offers a full range of visual and performing arts, catering to each student’s level of ability and interest. The Pyramid Players perform across Florida and in Georgia and Alabama. Pyramid’s artists exhibit from St. Petersburg, Tampa and Orlando to the Panhandle. Their work is on display from south Florida to Chicago and beyond.

In addition to the arts, Pyramid offers therapeutic repositioning, physical/nutritional and behavioral assistance, peer counseling, sensory integration, social and life-management skills training and a variety of educational classes designed to increase their independence. Our staff-to-student ratios far surpass regulatory requirements.

Pyramid’s programs are supported by Medicaid and the Medicaid Waiver. That basic support is increasingly supplemented by grants, fund-raising and partnerships with universities and private businesses.

Pyramid’s programs are shaped by an innate belief in the abilities of the people we serve, by a commitment to individualized curricula and a holistic view of our students’ lives.

We will be celebrating this wonderful program on March 24th 10:00am- 3:00pm. There will be art, music and performances by Pyramid students! Please come out and show your support for such a great program in our community!

Six tips for better fuel economy

Last week, we posted about the Kia Optima Hybrid being the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the lowest fuel consumption. One of the driver's of the winning Optima Hybrid, Wayne Gerdes, has shared his six driving tips for better fuel economy. No matter what kind of car you have you can use these tips to get better fuel economy.

1. Be Smooth
Accelerating quickly and breaking heavily can reduce fuel economy by as much as 33% on the highway, and 10% around town- so think ahead and anticipate the most appropriate speed and drive smoothly.

2. Don't idle
Consider shutting down your vehicle's engine if stopped in traffic for a lengthy period. A modern, fuel-injected engine consumes less than seven seconds worth of fuel on restart.

3. Cut down on gadgets
Running mechanical and electrical accessories decreases fuel economy. Roof racks and trailers spoil the aerodynamics. Operating the air-conditioner on its maximum setting can increase fuel consumption by up to 30%.

4. Maintain your vehicle
A poorly tuned engine burns more fuel, so fuel economy will suffer. Improperly aligned steering, under-inflated tires and poorly adjusted (binding) brakes can all contribute to lowering fuel economy.

5. Plan your trip
Frequent short trips and cold weather can really affect fuel economy. Don't leave your engine running to warm up before setting off. Drive to your furthest destination first and then stop at the closer destinations on your way back. This will ensure the car is warmed up for longer portions of your drive.

6. Don't speed
The faster you drive, the harder your vehicle has to work. Aerodynamic drag (wind resistance) increases significantly with speed and drag increases fuel consumption.

Kia Optima Hybrid is in the Guinness Book of World Records

Great news from our plant in West Point, Georgia! The Kia Optima Hybrid has recently set a world record in the Guinness Book of World Records, for "Lowest fuel consumption driving through all 48 contiguous states in a gasoline hybrid car".

The trip consisted of two drivers, Wayne Gerdes and Chris Bernius and their luggage, as they travelled across all 48 states in the continental United States. The record breaking trip was over 7800 miles and took 14 days to complete. The Kia Optima Hybrid used only 5.5 tanks of gas during the trip. In order to break the World Record, the Optima Hybrid had to achieve and average fuel consumption of 52.27 mpg. The Optima Hybrid went above and beyond, getting over 64 mpg which beat the car's estimated mpg by over 61%.

Senior Executive Vice President and COO of KIA Motors Corporation, Thomas Oh, had this to say about the Optima Hybrid's amazing feat, "While travelling across the United States the Optima Hybrid experienced temperatures ranging from more than 118 degrees Fahrenheit to less than freezing point. The team climbed through the formidable Rocky mountain chain and negotiated rush hour traffic in Chicago, New York City and Las Vegas – which makes the Optima Hybrid’s fuel consumption figure all the more impressive"

One of the drivers, Wayne Gerdes, said this about the record-breaking car, “The remarkable economy figure we achieved included driving in all kinds of conditions, from straight open highway and deserts to gridlocked city traffic, so this really was the ultimate demonstration of the real-world fuel economy that any Optima Hybrid owner can achieve with attention to the details of their driving style.”






We are so excited to share this news with you and our community. We have a huge selection of Kia Optimas and some Optima Hybrids! We wanna see ya in a Guinness Book of World Records Kia! To schedule a test drive, give us a call at 850-576-2116, or stop by Kia Autosport of Tallahassee 2755 W Tennessee Street.

Kia Recall

Earlier this month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration posted a recall on certain 2007-08 Kia Optima’s and 2007-08 Rondos. The problem is with the clock spring assembly in the driver's side airbag, which may become damaged over time. If it is damage, it places high resistance on the electrical circuit, can prompt an airbag warning light on the instrument panel and compromise the airbag's ability to deploy. This could put drivers at risk for injury.

Although the recall has not been formally sent out to dealers and customers by KIA Motors, we are aware of the problem and are prepared to assist customers who are affected by this recall. KIA will provide a lifetime warranty for the driver's airbag clock spring contact assembly for vehicles covered under this recall, and Kia Autosport of Tallahassee will replace the vehicle's airbag clock spring as necessary, free of charge.

We haven't seen any vehicles in our dealership with this issue as of yet and not all vehicles in the 07-08 Optima and Rondo production are effected. To find out if your vehicle is included please contact our Service Manager, Jonathan Mullins, 850-576-2116. Jonathan and our staff are always available to answer any questions you may have about this recall or any other service related issues.

We appreciate your business.

We have the Hybrid!

We just got the brand new Optima Hybrid! It gets an estimated 35/40mpg and has a 5 Star Crash Test Rating. It has the beautiful styling of the original Optima, and the gas mileage of a hybrid. We've got it open in our showroom, so come check it out!

10 Steps to Buying a New Car

We found this great article from Edmunds about 10 steps you should take when buying a new car. The article discusses starting out, using incentives, pricing, how to find the exact car you want, trade-ins, negotiating price, closing and how to properly review your paperwork. We think its a great way to help you be as informed as possible before you make a big purchase, like a car.

Check it out here! http://www.edmunds.com/car-buying/10-steps-to-buying-a-new-car.html

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Kia Autosport! We had such a great year last year, added some great people to our family and to our staff. We cannot believe that it is already January! 2011 flew by so fast! We hope that you and your families had a great holiday and have a happy new year!

Kia Autosport Runs the Tallahassee Turkey Trot

This year, Kia Autosport has been working towards a healthier lifestyle. We have been participating in a Biggest Loser competition, with prize money at stake, and have had over 5 people quit smoking. As part of our health initiative, we competed in the Tallahassee Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving Day.

Again, there was prize money at stake. We dressed our Sales Manager, Bubba, in his turkey costume and set off on the 3.1 mile trek. Our new Finance Manager, Mark Sommers, won the overall prize, with a time of 26:36. Our intern, Kaitlyn, got second place and first female finisher within our competition with a time of 29:02. Brian, one of our service technicians brought in third place with a time of 29:10. As a team, Kia Autosport placed 8th. We have such a great time bonding and striving for a healthier lifestyle with each other's support!

We hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving with their families. We are so thankful to call you part of our family!

Join us on Saturday for a Breast Cancer Awareness Event!

On Saturday, October 15, 2011 we are having a Breast Cancer Awareness Event at the Kia Autosport dealership. Representatives from the American Cancer Society and the Put on Your Pink Bra Campaign will be here answering your questions and handing out information about breast cancer.

Representatives from Cumulus and ClearChannel will be on site playing music and giving away prizes. There will sandwiches and sides from Julie's Place, provided by Cumulus Broadcasting.

Come on out to Kia Autosport on Saturday from 12:00 until 3:00 and help us raise awareness for Breast Cancer. Don't forget to wear pink!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we are recognizing the month by helping to raise awareness and donating a portion of all of our sales this month to Breast Cancer research. Everyday we will be posting facts about breast cancer in hopes to increase conversation and decrease fear. Breast cancer can happen to anyone, even men, so doing monthly self exams is very important. Early dectection is key to a good outlook once cancer has been diagnosed. Here are some facts about breast cancer:

In the United States, about 230,480 new cases of invasion breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the year 2011.

About 57,650 women will be diagnosed with non-invasive breast cancer in 2011

39,520 women will die from breast cancer in 2011.

You can increase your chances of survival with early detection. Self exams, regular clinical exams and mamograms starting at age 40 are so vital in early detection.

Introducing the 2012 Kia Rio Hatchback

Consumer Reports just wrote a great article to introduce the new 2012 Kia Rio Hatchback! The Rio will start at $13,600. The Rio's fuel economy is estimated at 29 city/39 highway, which is aided by the new stop/start technology; if the car is stoped for more than a few seconds the engine is shut off. Take a look at the article and let us know what you think of the new Rio!!

http://news.consumerreports.org/cars/2011/09/pricing-2012-kia-rio-hatchback-starts-under-14000.html

ELC Month was a Success!

ELC Month at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee has officially come to a close! We were so happy to have the local community's support and generosity throughout the month as we collected supplied for the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend. Without their support we would not have had the success with this event that we did! Just look at all the supplies we were able to Cram the Van with!!

We had hundreds of crayons and markers, colored pencils, construction paper, nap mats, scissors, glue and glue sticks, calculators, books, workbooks, learning flash cards and classroom cleaning supplies! Our General Manager, Melanie Lee, went to the ELC of the Big Bend to drop off the supplies on Thursday, September 1, 2011.

The ELC was overjoyed to see the amount of supplies we collected! Together, we are able to make a difference in the community by helping the ELC help kids get off to the right start in a brand new school year!

ELC Day at Kia Autosport

On Saturday we had our big event here at the dealership, and it was so much fun! So many people came out and donated school supplies! We had 6 different radio stations broadcasting live from the delearship and gave away some AWESOME prizes! The Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend was here and had fun activities for the kids. We had amazing bar-b-que from Smokin' Lo's too! If you missed it, you missed out on a great day!

We are still collecting school supplies for the Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend until the end of the month, so if you have any extras please drop them off in our showroom! We'll register you to win a 2011 Kia Soul!! We want to send the kids back to school with the supplies they need for a successful school year!

Kia named car brand with lowest cost of ownership!

Kelly Blue Book just released a report on the top 3 luxury and nonluxury brands with the lowest cost of ownership in the first five years. Kia was named the number one nonluxury brand! Another great reason to buy a Kia!


Check out the article!
http://www.eusedcarnews.com/newsletters/3166-audi-kia-earn-top-marks-by-kelley-blue-book?format=pdf

We are ready for some Florida State University Football!

Yesterday we went to FSU Fan Day at the Leon County Civic Center. Over 7000 Florida State football fans came out to the civic center to meet the players and coaches, get their autographs and have their pictures taken with them.

Audrey at our booth at Fan Day

We had our own booth set up where we gave away over 500 reusable bags, coozies and t-shirts and had people sign up to a win a Kia Soul! We got a great opportunity to talk to thousands of people yesterday and had such a good time meeting them all! The kids loved to see our hamsters in the Kia Sorento and the sock monkey in the Kia Optima.

The FSU Cheerleaders couldn't get enough of the Sock Monkey and the new Kia Optima!

We are so excited for the kickoff of football season in just a few weeks! Be sure to come out to all ofthe Downtown Block Parties at Kleman Plaza every Friday evening before home games!! Make sure you and your family stop by our tailgate in front of the Unconquered Statue at the Oklahoma (9/17), NC State (10/29), and Miami (11/12) games! We are so excited to celebrate another Florida State football season! Go Noles!

Fans loved the new Optima and the Sock Monkey sporting his FSU football jersey!

August is ELC Month at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee

The month of August is Early Learning Coalition of the Big Bend Month here at Kia Autosport of Tallahassee! We have a bunch of promotions and events going on throughout the month and are so excited to bring attention to this great organization!

The ELC is a non-profit organization that provides services for children, families and child care providers throughout the Big Bend. The ELC works with child care providers and families to help prepare children for success in school and support families' ability to work. Family support services include tuition assistance programs, child care information services, and community referrals support each families' individual success by connecting them to the information and resources they need in choosing a program that best meets their child's needs.

As summer draws to end and school supply shopping begins, we want to make sure that our youngest students have all of the supplies and materials they need. Did you know that thousands of local children will begin preschool this year? In partnership with the ELC, Kia Autosport of Tallahassee is helping our local preschools get ready for this school year by hosting a Pre-School Supply Drive!

All month long come help us Cram the Van with school supplies! With a donation you can register to win a Kia Soul all month long. Don't forget to mark your calendars on August 20th for a special event here at the Kia Autosport dealership. Representatives from the ELC will be here with play areas for the kids and information for parents! More details will be posted closer to the event date!

Supplies needed: books, paint, crayons, markers, paper, glue, scissors, nap mats, balls, cleaning supplies, diapers, wipes

Come help us Cram the Van with these items so that our local children can have a successful school year!

Are You Ready For Some Football?!

Here at Kia Autosport we are getting really excited for football season!! We are planning the first Downtown Get Down Block Party and can't wait to see how many Seminoles fans come out! The first block party is going to be held on Friday, Septemeber 2nd. Country music star Justin Moore will have a free concert at Kleman Plaza. He's known for his current single "If Heaven Weren't So Far Away". There will be many more exciting block parties and tailgates to come as football season starts up! We will keep you posted on future block parties, tailgates and events here on our blog, on our Facebook and our Twitter!

Let's Go Noles!

What is everyone most looking forward to as the 2011 College Football Season approaches?

http://www.wctv.tv/sports/headlines/Justin_Moore_Headlines_Kickoff_Weekend_126225823.html

Getting Ready for the 4th of July!

I hope everyone follows us on facebook. If for no other reason than to see the hillarious pictures we post of our sales managers in various costumes.

Here is an example:

I ordered the costumes for the 4th of July alittle early this year, so by doing so we had more time to put them to good use. What good use, you may ask?

A TV COMMERCIAL! Here is alittle preview:


We always get great feedback from our commercials, and we hope ya'll will love it! Of course, the most important part of our commercials are the deals and sales, so we are excited to announce some great specials and sales for the month of July. I can not believe how fast this summer is going, so we want to make sure all of our blog, facebook, and twitter followers are getting the most out of it as well!

Happy Summer & Let us know what you think about the July commercial!

Ps. for all of you Breanna lovers, there may be something in store for you as well in our new commercial!!

What Women Want

We are so excited to be joining Cumulus Broadcasting in participating in What Women Want, an expo here in Tallahassee focusing entirely on women!

What Women Want is Tallahassee's premier women's expo. Since it's launch in 2010, over 2,000 women have attended to view a showcase of various fashion, finance, health and fitness products and services. The expo is hosted by Cumulus Radio Station's 96.1 Jamz and Star 98.9. For vendor information visit

2011 Kia Sportage Earns AutoPacific 2011 "Vehicle Satisfaction Award"

Compact CUV Takes Top Honor in Compact Crossover SUV Category

- Kia CUV recognized by owners for delivering outstanding value and high levels of overall satisfaction

- 2011 Sportage pleases consumers with class-leading fuel economy (1), fun -to-drive performance, striking design, and comfort and convenience features



IRVINE, Calif., May 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2011 Kia Sportage has received numerous accolades since its launch and sales of the compact CUV have tripled since it hit showrooms last summer. Adding to its long list of awards, the 2011 Sportage has received an AutoPacific 2011 "Vehicle Satisfaction Award," based on positive feedback from Kia owners. Named the top vehicle in the Compact Crossover SUV category, Sportage scored 10-rating points higher than the second place product and received high marks from owners for delivering strong value and overall satisfaction in the category. The critically acclaimed 2011 Optima midsize sedan posted significant increases in positive owner feedback, ranking second in the Premium Mid-Size Car category while the Kia brand moved up twelve positions in the latest survey, one of the industry's largest increases.

"The 2011 Sportage has received overwhelmingly positive market feedback and attracted new consumers to the brand since it reached showrooms last year, thanks in large part to its unbeatable combination of world-class design, class-leading fuel efficiency, innovative technology features and long list of modern amenities," said Michael Sprague, vice president, marketing & communications, Kia Motors America (KMA). "This latest award from AutoPacific not only highlights the brand's commitment to customer satisfaction, but underscores the fact that offering stylish, high-quality products at a compelling value and backed by an industry-leading warranty are factors that continue to resonate with consumers."

AutoPacific's study summarizes the results from more than 68,000 new vehicle owners to determine winners in each vehicle segment. The 2011 Sportage was selected for delivering value and high levels of satisfaction across 48 separate categories that objectively measure the ownership experience. In addition, the study helps consumers sort through the 262 car and truck nameplates presently available in the U.S. and make wise purchase decisions.

About the 2011 Kia Sportage

The 2011 Sportage CUV offers value-, image- and safety-conscious consumers increased levels of performance and efficiency, comfort and convenience, the latest in-vehicle technologies incorporated into all of Kia's latest new vehicles and an abundance of standard safety features. Retaining the functionality and versatility of the previous generation model, the 2011 Sportage also offers a sleek, modern and boldly styled package with new proportions and a completely new look. A "2010 Top Safety Pick" by IIHS, the all-new CUV received top ratings from IIHS for front, side, rollover and rear impact protection. The new Sportage SX features a powerful and efficient 2.0-liter, 260 horsepower Turbo GDI engine and unique exterior and interior features. Available in Base, LX, EX and SX trims, the 2011 Sportage features a starting MSRP of $18,295 (2).

Industry-Leading Warranty

The 2011 Sportage is covered by Kia's warranty program (3), which offers consumer protection at an exceptional value. Included in this program are a 10-year/100,000-mile limited powertrain warranty, a five-year/60,000-mile limited basic warranty and a five-year/100,000-mile anti-perforation warranty. A five-year/60,000-mile roadside assistance plan also is part of the vehicle coverage.

2011 Kia Motors America Product Line

Kia's model year 2011 vehicle line includes the Sorento CUV, Sportage compact CUV, Optima midsize sedan, Soul urban passenger vehicle, Forte compact sedan, Forte 5-door compact hatchback, Forte Koup two-door coupe, Rio sub-compact sedan, Rio5 sub-compact hatchback and Sedona minivan.

About Kia Motors America

Kia Motors America (KMA) is the marketing and distribution arm of Kia Motors Corporation based in Seoul, South Korea. KMA offers a complete line of vehicles through more than 730 dealers throughout the United States and serves as the "Official Automotive Partner of the NBA." In 2010, KMA recorded its best-ever U.S. sales and 16th consecutive year of increased U.S. market share. Kia is poised to continue its momentum and will continue to build the brand through design innovation, quality, value, safety features and new technologies.

Information about Kia Motors America and its full vehicle line-up is available at its Web site – www.kia.com. For media information, including photography, visit www.kiamedia.com.

About AutoPacific

AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area.

Additional information can be found on AutoPacific's websites: www.autopacific.com and www.vehiclevoice.com.

(1) MPG claim for SX automatic transmission. EPA estimate for 2011 Sportage SX 2.0L Turbo GDI engine w/AT is 22 mpg/city and 27 mpg/hwy. Class-leading claim based on comparison to 2011 compact CUVs with turbocharged engines as of February 2011 of 2010 and available 2011 EPA city/hwy mpg estimates for compact CUVs with I4, turbocharged engines and V6 engines. Actual mileage may vary.

(2) Starting price is manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for lowest trim level. MSRPs exclude $695 destination and handling fee, title, taxes, license, options and dealer charges. Actual prices set by dealer and may vary.

(3) All warranties are limited. See retailer for warranty details or go to kia.com.